Churches around the nation have been struggling and closing in rather large numbers. The attendance at churches has dropped significantly. A Gallup poll published in 2024 showed that 43 percent of adults said they attended religious services in their 2000-2003 poll to just 30 percent in their 2021-2023 poll, dropping 12 percent.
St. John Lutheran Church in Kilkenny is no exception to this decline in attendance. Husband and wife Daryl and Alice Bosacker, long-time members of the church, have seen the change personally.

The first fire bell ever used in Montgomery when it was chartered as a city in the state of Minnesota was erected in 1884. That bell, now 141 years old, has new life instilled in it thanks to the efforts of local citizens and a collaboration of businesses.

Harriet (Schrom) Edel, age 90, of Kilkenny, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at The Moments; Memory Care & Enhanced Assisted Living in Lakeville, Minnesota.

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After starting the season with two straight losses, the Tri-City United girls basketball team now has a healthy team and has won their last five games.
Three of those wins occurred last week, with victories over St. James (67-55) on Dec. 10, Jackson County Central (61-51) Dec. 13 in Mapleton, and Maple River (51-38) Oct. 14 in Mapleton.
The Titans are now 2-1 in the Big South Conference East Division and 5-2 overall. They will play at Blue Earth Area Friday, Dec. 20.

Elizabeth "Betty" Frances Pomije, age 82, of Montgomery, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Traditions of Montgomery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Montgomery American Legion Club on Sunday, December 29, as an Open House from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Private family services and internment will be held at a later date.
Betty was born in Le Center on October 17, 1942, to Mary Magdeline (Schloesser) and Edward Slavik Jr. Betty graduated from Le Center High School. Betty was united in marriage to George John Pomije Jr. on June 3, 1961.

Marlys Ann Hora, age 83, of Montgomery, MN, passed away at Shakopee Friendship Manor on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 29, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Shieldsville, MN, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 30, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating with visitation an hour prior. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery at a later date.

The Montgomery Fire Department (MFD) has been spreading joy to families of former firefighter members and to the elderly in the community for roughly 50 years according to MFD Chief Kenny Pavek.
“We are not sure exactly how long it’s been going, we are figuring 50 years,” Pavek said. In talking amongst different members and their recollection of years past and who has done it, that is the closest estimate they have arrived on.

What’s more fitting than a person who has been researching and coordinating the preservation of the town’s first fire bell than for that person to find the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks medallion.
Local businessman and historian Dale Ruhland found the medallion Sunday evening. “I’ve never hunted for a medallion. I’ve never had an interest in doing it, but what was implied in the last clue made it interesting,” said Ruhland. “I followed the clues and the first one said, ‘It couldn’t be more clear.’ I took that as it was in plain sight.”

SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARED and Tri-City United Schools are CLOSED TODAY.
EXPIRED
 
Last Updated: December 19, 2024 - 8:22am

A house fire broke out on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 16, on Kilkenny Road, also known as Le Sueur County 168, in rural Kilkenny Township about one mile south of Kilkenny.
The house is a total loss, leaving at least one man homeless for the holidays. It appeared that other buildings, possessions and/or vehicles outside the home were also impacted.

The 32nd Annual Torchlight Parade & Fireworks in Montgomery on Thursday, Dec. 5, really went off with some bright floats and a spectacular fireworks display.
Businesses throughout Montgomery and its downtown area held specials on food and beverages, and entertainment was provided at area assisted living and senior homes.
Montgomery American Legion offered hot brandy, a special treat for the night. White Front Saloon offered vomacka, a local favorite.

The Tri-City United (TCU) boys basketball team opened their 2024-2025 season with three straight losses.
Belle Plaine downed the Titans, 73-51, Tuesday, Dec. 3. Norwood-Young America (NYA) defeated the Titans, 71-25, Thursday, Dec. 5. Friday, Dec. 6 Waseca came to Montgomery and downed the Titans, 86-16.
In the loss to Belle Plaine, Theodore Schatz scored 19 points, hitting 7-of-14 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.
Jaylen Nhem added nine points and eight rebounds. Dylan Fink scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Frosty was the keyword entering Saturday’s annual Frost Fest event held along Lonsdale’s Main Street.
Frosty was the best way to describe the weather for the event. Temperatures were in the low teens, and gradually dipping throughout the event. A slight breeze added additional chill to the air.
Lonsdale was prepared, however. Fire pits were set up in front of participating businesses to warm or roast marshmallows, sometimes both.

Riley Kamm scored the game-winning goal Tuesday, Nov. 26, giving the Minnesota River boys hockey team a 3-2 win over Dodge County.
Kamm’s goal broke up a 2-all tie at the 13:10 mark in the third period. It was his first goal of the season and Maxwell Hollerich assisted on the goal, his first assist of the year.
Tyson Fredrickson scored his first goal of the year in the third period.
Scoring for the Bulldogs started early in the first period when Logan Fahey scored on an assist by Josiah Juarez 2:09 into the contest. Both the goal and assist were season firsts.

November brought with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving. When we think about where to direct our charitable donations and volunteer efforts, I believe we should first consider the places where we live, work and raise our families: our local communities.